This season stirs me up in the ways of wonder, excitement, hope, and peace. I am one who starts listening to Christmas music very early because it begins ushering in the nostalgia of childhood and being home with my family in our old house. Christmas has always been special in the Crawford home – it was magical. My family made it that way. And I have every intention of doing the same thing for our children.
But I want to give the magic an extra twist – a more Jesus-centered twist.
Every Christmas season wouild begin with my dad’s mother, Mimi, sending us an advent calendar which immediately was taped to the fridge. It is really amazing how I probably ate chocolate every single day of my life, yet still was beyond thrilled to open up that tiny paper door on the advent calender to see what chocolate character would be waiting for me to devour. I actually laugh about how the anticipation of seeing what character would be revealed, overcame me. A snowman? Candy cane? Ornament? Santa? And then, there was always those magical DOUBLE DOORS that had the little number “25” on them. This was the ultimate gift of chocolate – the big cool piece that was saved special for Christmas Day. I don’t know how many of you experienced the advent calendar tradition, but it was one of my favorites from the season. Partly because it was fun, partly because it was from my mimi, and partly because it was chocolate.
Coming into Christmas season 2010, it seems like the word “advent” has been in the air. Advent actually means “the coming of Christ.” And as Rob Bell said in an article I recently read in Relevant Magazine “Advent is about anticipating the birth of Christ. It’s about longing, desire, that which is yet to come. That which isn’t here yet. And so we wait, expectantly. Together. With an ache. Because all is not right. Something is missing.” This, friends, is what the Christmas season is about. This is what that magical chocolate calendar is a symbol of. That excitement over each day getting closer and closer to those double doors – that big, fantastic, better than all others, Gift on the 25th. Every day leading up to that glorious, powerful day when Christ was born on earth, should be full of growing anticipation for Christ’s coming and what His birth meant for us.
I get so excited about Christmas. Really, ridiculously excited. I relish every detail about this season: hot cocoa, caramel apple cider, cold weather, twinkling white lights, candles in the window, watching claymation movies with my sister, putting the christmas tree up and letting it be the only light in the room as I snuggle with my husband, shopping for the perfect gift, wrapping presents, spending time with family, cookie baking, my mother still making sure Santa still comes on Christmas morning (she must write a special letter!), and this year and from now on – creating traditions with my daughter. And in all of this, we are building to Christmas day. This is all done in preparation and anticipation for that day when we eat till our bellies literally hurt (more chocolate pie, please?) and rip open presents and do our best just to let our family know how much we appreciate their special gifts. We are pros at this season, aren’t we? We have it down pat. We make special savings account, create lists of gifts, plan events, address christmas cards, wrap gifts, travel long distances.
This year, let’s become pros at something else. Let’s plan to involve Jesus in our Christmas season daily planning. Let’s set aside time to anticipate getting the greatest gift anyone could possibly ever give, never to be topped. If we can make time for all of these other Christmas traditions, let’s add “anticipate Christ’s birth” to the list. Let’s make sure that our hearts are being prepared as well as our house and kitchen.
I’m not sure exactly what all i’m going to do yet, but since the Advent season starts today, I think I might start by reading the story of Chirst birth to Adeline from her baby bible. What better way to start the anticipation than reminding ourselves of what this time was like many years ago.
If you have any good ideas for the Advent season, I would love to hear them!
Your mention of Mimi brought tears to my eyes. I’m so glad those advent calendars meant so much. And your excitement reminds me to let go and enjoy the season more, and not stress so much.
We have many Christmas traditions in the Jones home. One is to hang a nail inside our Christmas tree, hidden from sight (it is a big railroad tie nail that we found many years ago in Miss.) It reminds us that Jesus came to earth to die, a sobering thought when you see the cuddly baby Jesus in the manger scenes. Love you!
Bianca, remembering it brought tears for me as well. In fact, my Christmas memories are full of Mimi. She had a way of making the season so special – really, she made everything special. The dolls on the stairs, poinsettas, the big tree in the living room, and the smaller in the front living room. The lutheran church, the way she really told me about Jesus. And then the not so chirstmas memories – the same diamond necklace she wore around her neck, the way she always smelled so good, her always painted nails, her big hugs and kisses – and the one that always makes me tear up – the way she said in her thick accent “hi baby” when I answered the phone. I want to eventually write down all that I remember about her. I had 17 years with her – she was and is the standard to which I hold all grandma’s :) I miss her. I know you do even more. I can’t wait to hug her again one day.
very very sweet message lindsey! :) it’s so easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of the season and miss the true reason. a baby born in a manger. our God born into flesh to live among us and one day pay the ultimate sacrifice out of love. xo.